NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S vs Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z)
The Nikon is brighter (f/2.8 vs f/4.5). The Tamron is 1555g lighter, goes wider, to 50mm and reaches further, to 400mm.
Key differences
- The Tamron is 1555g lighter (1180g vs 2735g).
- The Nikon is faster: f/2.8 vs f/4.5 (≈1.4 stops more light).
- At launch the Tamron cost $12,701 less ($1,299 vs $14,000).
- For close-ups the Tamron reaches 0.50× vs 0.18×.
Which to choose
- NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S
Choose it for:
- +The brightest aperture: f/2.8, about 1.4 stops more light
- 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z)
Choose it for:
- +The lightest option: 1180g, 1555g less than the next
- +The widest view: starts at 50mm
- +The longest reach: up to 400mm
- +The best close-ups: 0.50× magnification
- +The lowest launch price: $1,299, $12,701 less
Computed from published specs, confirmed launch prices and, where every lens has at least two reviews, review scores.
- Mount
- Nikon Z (FX)
- Nikon Z (FX)
- Focal length
- 120–300mm
- 50–400mm
- Max aperture
- F2.8◆
- F4.5–6.3
- Weight
- 2,735g
- 1,180g◆
- Dimensions ⌀ × L
- 128.0 × 353.5mm
- 88.5 × 185.8mm
- Volume
- 4549 cm³
- 1143 cm³◆
- Density
- 0.60 g/cm³
- 1.03 g/cm³
- Filter thread
- ⌀112mm
- ⌀67mm
- Min focus
- 0.98m
- 0.25m◆
- Max magnification
- 0.18×
- 0.50×◆
- Elements / groups
- 30 / 24
- 24 / 18
- Aperture blades
- 9
- 9
- Focus drive
- Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM)
- VXD Linear Motor
- Stabilisation
- Yes
- Yes
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- —
- —
- Released
- 2026
- 2024
- MSRP (USD)
- $14,000
- $1,299◆
- Sharpness
- —
- 7.9
- Bokeh Rendering
- —
- 6.9
- Autofocus Speed
- —
- 8.6
- Flare Resistance
- —
- 7.2
- Build / Sealing
- —
- 8.2
- Value / Size
- —
- 8.9
Performance overlay
- NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S
- 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z)
◆ marks the best value in a row. Scores are 0–10 editorial ratings.